Simpkin House Nursing Home, Vic

Reduction of psychotropic medication program

Simpkin House Nursing Home has a commitment to improving the quality of life and care for the residents that call it home. A focus on appropriate reduction of use of psychotropic medication and improved management of agitated behaviours has enhanced residents’ lifestyles and provided improved individual resident outcomes for residents. It was recognised that not every resident on psychotropic medication would benefit from a reduction in therapy.

Division Two nursing staff undertook a certificate in mental health nursing in preparation for the medication reduction process. The psychiatrist provides education and support to staff members formally and at case conferences. The psychiatric nurse professional development team holds a monthly education session for staff at Simpkin House Nursing Home. Education covered in these sessions has staff well prepared to participate in the reduction of psychotropic medication program.

The program includes a multi-disciplinary consultative approach that incorporates observations by medical staff, nursing service, resident relatives and carers, the Aged Persons Mental Health Liaison Nurse and the lifestyle staff. These observations are placed to the resident’s progress notes allowing evaluation that can be acknowledged by the psychiatrist.

Simpkin House Nursing Home staff have noted positive outcomes for individual residents in regard to improved affect, two way communication, volition, gait, appetite, and overall general wellbeing of residents.

The reduction of psychotropic medication program is a quality activity undertaken at Simpkin House Nursing Home with formal planning, assessment, monitoring and evaluation (a plan, do, act and model). The program is reviewed with two way feedback with all stakeholders.